I thought I would share bits and pieces of my life. I am a lifelong Christian. I have been married for over 37 years to Stan. No children. We have 2 Miniature Pinschers named MoneyPenny and Spunky Monkey and 3 Italian Greyhounds named Persephone, Dresden and Capodimonte. We have 9 nieces and nephews whom we love. My hobbies are genealogy, reading, digital scrapbooking, history, dogs, homemaking.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Carrie Miller was the daughter Anderson Miller and Cynthia Hickam and was the older sister of my Great Grandmother Noda Vest Miller Lamb. Carrie Miller Roberts would be my great great aunt.

Carrie Miller was born 5/1877 in Grassy Creek, Madison County, NC to Ance Miller (DOB 11/1834 in Old Buncombe County in an area that is now Madison County, NC; DOD 3/1907 in Madison County, NC) and Cynthia Hickham (DOB 11/1841 in Old Buncombe County, NC in an area that is now Madison County, NC; DOD 10/12/1929 in Hot Springs, Madison County, NC).

Carrie married William Pinckney Roberts. Will Roberts was born 9/16/1872 in Madison County, NC.

Hester Miller was the daughter of Anderson Miller and Cynthia Hickam and the sister of my Great Grandmother Noda Vesta Miller Lamb. Hester would have been my great great aunt.

Hester Miller was born 5/1/1874 in Cocke County, TN to Anderson Miller (DOB 11/1834 in Old Buncombe County in an area that is now Madison County, NC; DOD 3/1907 in Grassy Creek, Madison County, NC) and Cynthia Hickham (DOB 11/1841 in Old Buncombe County in an area that is now Madison County, NC; DOD 10/12/1929 in Hot Springs, Madison County, NC). She was their 5th child.

Hester married William Swaney, aka Bill Swaney, William Benny Swaney, William L. Swaney. William Swaney was born 3/1887 in North Carolina. They had no children that I'm aware of.

My mother remembered "Aunt Hester" as having a dirt floored house and let the chickens come in and out of the house. She evidently wasn't a very good housekeeper and we still make jokes about it. Whenever our house gets messy we say, "We don't want to be like Aunt Hester!" One of my contacts told me he also remembered Aunt Hester who would come to visit them for several weeks each year. He said, "her husband ran a saw mill and the house was made of slabs and had a dirt floor with chickens and pigs moving in and out."

1910 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, NC, Roll T624_1107, Pg 10B, ED 80, Image 267, Lines 78-79, Dwelling 202, Family 212, They were living next to Lambs and Swaneys. Hester's sister, Noda Miller would marry one of those Lamb neighbors, John Edward Lamb.Swaney, William, Head, M, W, 22 yrs old (DOB 1888), 1st Marriage, Married 5 yrs, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Laborer & Farmer, Teaster (sic), Rents homeSwaney, Hester, Wife, F, W, 33 yrs old (DOB 1877), 2nd Marriage, Married 5 yrs, 0 children, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC

1930 U.S. Census of Meadow Fork, Madison County, North Carolina; Roll: 1704; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 14; Image: 893.0, Lines 1-3, "William Swinney", sic, William SwaneyWilliam Swinney, Head, Rents home, M(ale), W(hite), 48 yrs old (DOB 1882), Married at age 17 yrs old (DOM 1913), Cannot read or write, Born in NC, Both parents born in TN, Laborer in lumber millHester Swinney, Wife, F, W, 55 yrs old (DOB 1875), Married at age 24 yrs old, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC
William Price, Boarder, M, W, 48 yrs old (DOB 1882), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, No occupation

Hester Swaney died 2/13/1964 in the Broughton State Hospital, Morganton, Burke County, NC.

I have been unable to find when Bill Swaney died. According to Hester's death certificate, she was already a widow when she died in 1974 and they were listed together in the 1930 census so he died sometime between 1930-1974. If you have further information about this, please contact me.

Hester Miller Swaney was buried at Antioch Cemetery, U.S. Hwy 70, Hot Springs, Madison County, NC. It is still used (there is one further on with the same name that is no longer used) at Latitude: 35° 54' 17.93" N Longitude: 82° 53' 1.14" W (35.904981 , -82.883649). Her grave is unmarked. It's possible that this is where Bill Swaney is also buried and he is unmarked as well.

If you have any comments, corrections or additonal information, please email me at Mom25dogs@gmail.com.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I began thinking of all the gadgets I have around the house that have made my life easier this year. Just the ones I've purchased and used this year. Here is my list of favorites:
1. Amazon Kindle ereader
2. Amazon Kindle tablet
3. TomTom GPS (bought a new one this year)
4. HTC Incredible 2 cell phone (I know I'm a little behind as the one I got a couple of weeks ago was free and the newest ones are much more expensive but I'm fascinated with my free smart phone!)
5. Toshiba laptop (I get new laptops every year and don't know what I'd do without them.)
6. My cable DVR box
7. HP Officejet 7500a multi-function wide carriage printer
8. Braun coffeemaker
9. 2 TB external hard drive
10. Central vacuum

George Clinton Miller was the son of Anderson Miller and Cynthia Hickam. He was an older brother of my great grandmother, Noda Vesta Miller Lamb so he would be a great great uncle to me.

George Clinton Miller was born 6/14/1870 in Grassy Creek, Madison County, NC to Anderson Ance Miller (DOB 11/1834 in Old Buncombe County in an area that is now Madison County, NC; DOD 3/1907 in Grassy Creek, Madison County, NC) and Cynthia Hickham (DOB 11/1841 in Old Buncombe County in an area that is now Madison County, NC; DOD 10/12/1929 in Hot Springs, Madison County, NC). George was the 4th child.

1880 U.S. Census of Pine Creek, Madison County, NC, Roll T9-971, Family History Film 1254971, Pg 95.3000, ED 129, Image 0360, Lines 4-12, Dwelling 61, Family 61, "Miller, Anderson"Miller, Anderson, W(hite), M(ale), 45 yrs old, Head, Married, Farmer, Can read & write, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1835)Miller, Scyntha (sic), W, F, 36 yrs old, Wife, Married, Keeping House, Born in NC, Father born in TN, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1844)Miller, Robert, W, M, 18 yrs old, Son, Single, Farm Laborer, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1862)Miller, Sarah, W, F, 15 yrs old, Daughter, Single At Home, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1865)Miller, Orry, W, F, 12 yrs old, Daughter, Single, At Home, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1868)Miller, George, W, M, 10 yrs old, Son, Single, At Home, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1870)Miller, Hester, W, F, 6 yrs old, Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1874)Miller, Carrie, W, F, 4 yrs old, Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1876)Miller, Florrence (sic), W, F, 1 yrs old, Daughter, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC (DOB would have been 1879)

George Clinton Miller married Sarah Jane Huff, aka Sally Huff or Sallie Huff. They married on 6/10/1888 in Cocke County, TN.

Sarah Jane Huff was born 10/1874 in Tennessee.

They had 10 children that I'm aware of:
1) Loyd Robert Miller (DOB 7/18/1890 in Cocke County, TN; DOD ? in ? ) married Dice Unknown (DOB Abt 1891 in TN; DOD ? in ? ). They had one daughter that I'm aware of: Bernice Miller (DOB Abt 1916 in SC; DOD ? in ? ). If anyone knows more about this family and can fill in any of the blanks, please contact me.

3) James Clayton Miller (DOB 1/9/1894 in Cocke County, TN; DOD 4/6/1961 in Brevard, Transylvania County, NC) married ? (DOB ? in ? ; DOD ? in ? ). If you know any further information and can fill in some blanks on this family, please contact me.

4) Eulala Miller, aka Lala Miller (DOB Abt 1896 in Cocke County, TN; DOD ? in ? ) married ? (DOB ? in ? ; DOD ? in ? ). If you know any further information and can fill in some blanks on this family, please contact me.

8) Drummond Miller (DOB Abt 1902 in Madison County, NC; DOD ? in ? ) married ? (DOB ? in ? ; DOD ? in ? ). If you have any further information and can fill in some of the blanks on this family, please contact me.

9) Terra Viola Miller (DOB 10/8/1903 in Madison County, NC; DOD 9/6/1980 in Asheville, Buncombe County, NC) married Thomas Vernon Goode (DOB 7/5/1898 in Madison County, NC; DOD 11/1982 in Buncombe County, NC). They had John Goode and Thomas Goode.

1900 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, NC, Roll T623-1205, Pg 5B, ED 82, Lines 53-60, Dwelling 93, Family 93, "Miller, George"Miller, George, Head, W(hite), M(ale), Born June, 1869, 30 yrs old, Married 12 yrs, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Farmer, Owns farmMiller, Sallie, Wife, W, F, Born Oct, 1874, 25 yrs old, Married 12 yrs, 6 children with 6 still living, Born in TN, Father born in TN, Mother born in TNMiller, Loyd (sic), Son, W, M, Born July, 1889, 10 yrs old, Single, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Jessie, Son, W, M, Born July, 1890, 9 yrs old, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Clayton, Son, W, M, Born July, 1893, 7 yrs old, Born in TN, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Lala, Daughter, W, F, Born July, 1896, 4 yrs old, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Clara, Daughter, W, F Born July, 1898, 1 yrs old, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Rublu (sic, ?), Son, W, M, Born July, 1900, 5/12 mos, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN

1910 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, NC, Roll T624-1107, Pg 12B, ED 80, Image 271, Lines 89-94, Dwelling 239, Family 231, "Miller, George"Miller, George, Head, M(ale), W(hite), 44 yrs old (DOB 1866), Widowed 1, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Farmer of general farm, owns farm, Can read & writeMiller, Clayton, Son, M, W, 18 yrs old (DOB 1892), Single, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN, Farm LaborerMiller, Eulala, Daughter, F, W, 13 yrs old (DOB 1897), Single, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NCMiller, Clera (sic, should be Clara Miller), Daughter, F, W, 11 yrs old (DOB 1899), Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN
Miller, Drummon (sic, should be Drummond Miller), Son, M, W, 8 yrs old (DOB 1902), Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Viola, Daughter, F, W, 6 yrs old (DOB 1904), Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN

1920 U.S. Census to Fleming St., Laurens, Laurens County, South Carolina; Roll: T625_1700; Page: 14B; Enumeration District: 63; Image: 195, Lines 53-57, "George Miller"George Miller, Head, Rents home, M(ale), W(hite), 55 yrs old (DOB 1865?), Married, Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Run frames at cotton millNora Miller (sic), Wife, F, W, 22 yrs old (DOB 1898), Married, Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCCarl Miller, Son, M, W, 5 yrs old (DOB 1915), Born in NC, Both parents born in NCFannie Miller, Daughter, F, W, 1 yrs 2/12 mos old (DOB 1919), Born in NC, both parents born in NCClayton Miller, Son, M, W, 22 yrs old (DOB 1898), Single, Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Runs cuds at cotton mill

1930 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, North Carolina; Roll: 1704; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 720.0, Lines 83-89, "Geo. Miller" living next door to his daughter from his first marriage, Jessie and her husband, Charlie Lawson.Geo. Miller, Head, Rents farm, M(ale), W(hite), 57 yrs old (DOB 1873), Married at age 20 yrs old (this has to be a 2nd marriage as he would have married at age 20, 1893, and Nona wasn't even born then), Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Farmer of general farmNora Miller (sic, Nona), F, W, 32 yrs old (DOB 1898), Married at age 17 yrs old (DOM 1915), Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCCarl Miller, Son, M, W, 15 yrs old (DOB 1915), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCFannie Miller, Daughter, F, W, 12 yrs old (DOB 1918), Born in NC, Both parents born in NCLilian Miller, Daughter, F, W, 10 yrs old (DOB 1920), Born in NC, Both parents born in NCMinnie Miller, Daughter, F, W, 8 yrs old (DOB 1922), Born in NC, both parents born in NCLuvenia Miller, Daughter, F, W, 3 yrs 4/12 mos old (DOB 1926), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC

George Clinton Miller died 11/17/1934 in Grassy Creek, Madison County, NC. He is buried in Antioch Cemetery II, U.S. Hwy 70, Madison County, NC (it's been abandoned and his grave is one of the unmarked ones, his sister, Noda Vesta Miller Lamb is buried there, her grave is marked.). Latitude: 35° 54' 48.21" N, Longitude: 82° 53' 54.67" E (Note: 35.913393 , -82.898519). There is a turnoff on the road at your right (coming from Hot Springs) and the cemetery is up the hill above the turnoff.
NC Death Certificate #107, Registration District #58-08, Certificate #10 of George C. Miller, DOD 11/17/1934 in Hot Springs, Madison County, NC
Male, White, Married
Spouse: (blank)
DOB 6/14/1870 in Madison County, NC, 64 yrs, 5 mos, 3 days
Occupation: Farmer for life
Father: Anders C. Miller (sic, Anderson Miller), born in Madison County, NC
Mother: Syntha Hycam (sic, Cynthia Hickam) born in Madison County, NC
Informant: Runion Miller of Laurence, SC (sic, Laurens, SC)
DOD 11/17/1934 at 9:45pm
Physician attended deceased from December, 1933, to 11/17/1934. Last saw deceased alive on 11/17/1934. Death occurred 9:45pm
Cause of death Hypostatic Pneumonia from low of corupucation (sic, ?)
Endocarditis (distal)
Contributory causes Bright's Disease
Burial at Antioch Cemetery on 11/18/1934
Undertaker: Ira Plemmons of Hot Springs, NC

SC Delayed Birth Certificate Handwritten #13-981
State of SC
Application For Certificate Of Birth
Full Name: Loyd Robert Miller
Male: X Female:
Race: White Nationality: American
Present Address: 2 Camp St., Laurens, SC
Date of Birth: 7/18/1890
Where Born: Wolfe Creek, Cocke County, TN
Full Name of Father: George C. Miller
Nationality: American
Race: White
Present Address:
Age at last birthday, if living:
If dead, age at death: 64 yrs old
Where Born: Big Ivey, Madison County, NC
Full Name of Mother: Sarah Jane Huff
Nationality: American
Race: White
Present Address:
Age at last birthday, if living:
If dead, age at death: 64 yrs old
Where Born: Wolf Creek, Cocke County, TN
A: If Family Bible Is Used As Proof:
B: Physician's Certificate: I hereby certified that I attended the birth of the above named person on the date given and that I am years of age.
Signature of Physician:
C, D, E, F,G: Proof or other record:
State of: SC
County of: Laurens
Personally appeared before me Hazel Thackston, Clerk, Laurens County Health Department who being first duly sworn,deposes and says that she has personally examined a Woodmen of the World life insurance policy #31703 SC issued May 2, 1910 on the above named applicant and found that he was 19 years old at that time and that the statement or birth given above is true as copied from said record.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 15th
day of July, 1955
Name of Notary Public: Vivian B. Wisson Signature of Hazel Thackston
H: Disinterested, related or unrelated, individual older than Applicant:
State of: NC
County of: Madison
Personally appeared before me P.N. Gowan who being first duly sworn,deposes and says that he is 78 years old; that the date of such birth is based on deponent's best memory, information and belief; that the deponent is definite and positive of the above facts as to the date and place of birth, andt hat the statement of birth as given above is true.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th
day of October, 1953
Name of Notary Public: Frank Moon
Signature of deponent: P.N. His X Mark Gowan
Address of deponent: Star Route, Wolf Creek, TN

State of: NC
County of: Madison
Personally appeared before me Hester Swaney who being first duly sworn,deposes and says that she is years old; that the date of such birth is based on deponent's best memory, information and belief; that the deponent is definite and positive of the above facts as to the date and place of birth, and that the statement of birth as given above is true.
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26
day of October , 1953
Name of Notary Public: Frank Moon
Signature of deponent: Hester Her X Mark Swaney
Address of deponent: Hot Springs, NC

1910 U.S. Census of Beech Springs, Spartanburg County, SC, Roll T624-1472, Pg 9A, ED 67, Image 19, Lines 10-20, Dwelling 151, Family 151, "Miller, Robbert W." (sic)Miller, Robbert (sic), Head, M(ale), W(hite), 42 yrs old, First Marriage, married 25 yrs, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Speaks English, tags up roping in cotton mill for wages, Can read and write, Rents homeMiller, Matilda, Wife, F, W, 42 yrs old, First Marriage, married 25 yrs, 11 children with 7 still living, Born in TN, Father born in SC, Mother born in TN, Speaks English, Can read and writeMiller, Ralph, Son, M, W, 20 yrs old, Single, Born in TN, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN, Speaks English, runs cards at cotton mill for wages, Can read and writeMiller, Bascomb, Son, M, W, 18 yrs old, First marriage, Married 2 yrs, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN, Speaks English, Weaver at cotton mill for wages, can read and writeMiller, Denver, Son, M, W, 14 yrs old, Single, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN, Speaks English, Doffer in cotton mill for wages, can read and writeMiller, Myrtle, Daughter, F, W, 12 yrs old, Single, Born in TN, Father born in NC, Mother born in TN, Speaks English, Spinner at cotton mill for wages, Can read and writeMiller, Harry (sic, I think it should be Hassy), Daughter, F, W, 8 yrs old, Single, Born in TN, Father born in NC, Mother born in TNMiller, Loyd (sic), Boarder, M, W, 19 yrs old, Single, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Speaks English, Weaver in cotton mill for wages, Can read and writeMiller, Hattie, Daughter-in-law, F, W, First marriage, Married 2 yrs, 1 child with 1 still living, Born in NC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Speaks English, Can read and writeMiller, Ollen, Son-in-law (I think it's Grandson), M, W, 3/12 mos old, Single, Born in SC, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC
Grug, Margeret (sic), Boarder, F, W, 24 yrs old, Single, Born in TN, Father born in NC, Mother born in NC, Speaks English, Spooler in cotton mill for wages, Can read and write

1930 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, North Carolina; Roll: 1704; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 720.0, Lines 76-82, "Charlie Lawson"Charlie Lawson, Head, Owns farm, M(ale), W(hite), 52 yrs old (DOB 1878), Married at age 31 yrs old, born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Farmer of general farmJessie Lawson, Wife, F, W, 35 yrs old (DOB 1895), Married at age 18 yrs old, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCCecil Lawson, Son, M, W, 20 yrs old (DOB 1910), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Laborer on farmOctavia Lawson, Daughter, F, W, 15 yrs old (DOB 1915), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCReul Lawson, Son, M, W, 12 yrs old (DOB 1918), Single, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCMabel Lawson, Daughter, F, W, 6 yrs old (DOB 1924), Born in NC, Both parents born in NCWilma Lawson, Daughter, F, W, 3 yrs 10/12 mos old (DOB 1926), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC

U.S. World War I Draft Registration Cards
WWI Registration Card, From 273, Written #1447, No. 56, James Clayton Miller, Age 22
Home Address: Wolf Creek, TN
DOB 1/9/1894
Native of USA
Born in Hot Springs, NC
Occupation: Farming
Employed by James Huff of Wolf Creek, TN
No dependents
Single, Caucasian
No previous military service
He claimed excemption fromd draft due to weak eyes.
Short, slender, blue eyes, dark hair, not bald
Signed by James Clayton Miller, Precinct 1, Cocke County, TN on 6/5/1917

1930 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, North Carolina; Roll: 1704; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 726.0, Lines 72-75, "Claude Lawson"Claude Lawson, Head, Owns farm, M(ale), W(hite), 34 yrs old (DOB 1896), Married at age 19 yrs old (DOM 1915), Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, Farmer of general farmClara Lawson, Wife, F, W, 31 yrs old (DOB 1899), Married at age 16 yrs old, Can read and write, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCRoscoe Lawson, Son, M, W, 12 yrs old (DOB 1918), Born in NC, Both parents born in NCLeona Lawson, Daughter, F, W, 8 yrs old (DOB 1922), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC

1930 U.S. Census of Hot Springs, Madison County, North Carolina; Roll: 1704; Page: 7B; Enumeration District: 7; Image: 726.0, Lines 76-79, "Vernon T. Goode"Vernon T. Goode, Head, Owns farm, M(ale), W(hite), 31 yrs old (DOB 1899), Married at age 24 yrs old (DOM About 1923), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC, FarmerViola Goode, Wife, F, W, 26 yrs old (DOB 194), Married at age 18 yrs old, Born in NC, Both parents born in NCJohn Goode, Son, M, W, 7 yrs old (DOB 1923), Born in NC, Both parents born in NCThomas Goode, Son, M, W, 5 yrs old (DOB 1925), Born in NC, Both parents born in NC

My niece is now living in Illinois and they've had very cold temperatures and snow already this winter. Her mother-in-law told her about keeping an emergency car kit. Then a friend of mine reminded me with her blog post about those emergency kits.

I live in SC and we don't get much ice and snow so I don't keep a winter emergency kit. But I have my own problems that I have to accomodate. I'm severely hypoglycemic and from the onset of symptoms I only have 2-3 mins before I'm shaking, catatonic and cold sweating. I've gone into seizures and fainted so it's pretty severe. So my "emergency kit" is glucose tablets, pretzels (carbohydrates), cans of Ensure with extra protein. These can be left in the car, gym bag and purse.

But, back to the Winter Emergency Kit, some of these should always be in your car and some are specific for winter:

* Drinkable water. Make sure you have at least the equivalent of a gallon. If you are stranded for a long time, you will need it. And if you are stranded with your children, spouse, friend or pet in the car, you need more than you think.

* Food. Something with high protein, carbohydrates and sugar. Not just a pack of cookies but something with nutritional value. Add a can opener and you can have some canned fruits and meats, crackers, nutritional bars, nuts, peanut butter, etc. Baby formula and diapers if you have a baby.

* Strong flashlight with an extra set of batteries. If you needed to do some work on your car or flag someone down you would need a flashlight.

* A multi-purpose knife. You can get something that has the hammer on the end in order to smash a window open to get out if the car door is jammed. The knife can help you slit the seat belt in case the button doesn't work.

* A bag of cat litter to help you gain traction if you get stuck in ice.

* Collapsible shovel for digging out of the snow.

* Ice scraper, two quarts of oil and gallon of anti-freeze in case you spring a leak somewhere. Jumper cables. It wouldn't hurt to have some duct tape and a few simple tools like a pair of pliers, flat head and phillips head screwdriver, vise grips, adjustable wrench. And have a fire extinguisher on board.

* An extra pair of warm gloves, warm jacket, socks, warm boots and a change of clothes. If you have to get out to try and dig the car out, your clothes and shoes will get wet and hypothermia can set in.

* Extra blanket(s)

* A battery radio with extra batteries so you aren't wasting your car battery to listen to the radio.

* A couple of plastic garbage bags

* Waterproof matches and some trick birthday candles. They won't blow out and can be used to start a fire.

* Paper and pencil because if you have to start walking, you will want to leave a note in the car.

* A compass in the car and local area maps

* A plastic bag holding toilet paper and wipes

* Lip balm, hand lotion, toothbrush and toothpaste

* A medical kit including a few of your daily medications. It should also have Aspirin, Bandaids, medical tape and sterile gauze, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes, hydrocortisone cream, Benadryl, a couple of pairs of latex gloves.

* A book or something to pass the time, some small toys for your children.

Tuck as much of this as you can in a backpack in case you had to start walking. You can store things in a plastic tote or old suitcase. If the weather is particularly bad, then you may want to keep this emergency kit in the main car and NOT in the trunk. That way you could access it without having to get out. If you don't have enough room in your trunk, look for other places where you can store some of these items. For instance you might store some things under the seats, on top of the spare tire, in pockets on the doors or behind the front seats, glove box, etc.

A few safety tips to remember:
* Once or twice a year, you need to check and make sure everything is still there, check expiration dates and make sure everything is still usable. Replace anything that has gone missing or is past the expiry date.
* Keep your car full of gas
* Make sure your cell phones are fully charged whenever you are about to drive even if it's just to the grocery store.

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Today is Dad's 75th birthday so I had a Sunday lunch at our house for the family. It was Mom, Dad, Melinda, Mike, Lee, Luke, Hannah, Savannah, Elaine, Stan and I and one of Dad's friends, Clay, came by. Stan made whole chickens in his smoker last night and he made squash, mashed potatoes today. Dad brought a pot full of his greens and a pone of cornbread. I made the Rocky Road Crockpot Cake.

Elaine gave Dad a hat that says "Antique Person" with funny saying on it. We gave Dad a radio with headphones that he can wear while he's on his tractor (a special request). Luke and Hannah gave him a box full of nuts. There were a couple of containers of peanuts and the rest of the box was full of pecans from Luke's pecan tree at his new house.

Savannah crawls all over the place but she's also about to start walking. She walks with while pushing her toy.